The Scoop on Pets

&lt;lst&gt;If residents suspect a case of animal cruelty, need help for an injured animal, or see a lost or stray animal in the neighborhood, they can call the Animal Welfare League at 703-931-9241 for assistance.

&lt;ro&gt;Making the Pup Legal

&lt;lst&gt;Dogs older than four months must be licensed annually with the county. The cost is $10 for a one-year license and $25 for the three-year license.

Licenses are sold at the County Treasurer's Office, Suite 213, 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Call 703-228-3081.

&lt;ro&gt;Dog Etiquette

&lt;lst&gt;Keeping the pooch polite is a high priority for any dog owner, and several laws reinforce this. "Frequent and continuous" dog barking is prohibited. Legally, all dogs must be attached to their owners by a leash or a lead and under control. Running free is against the law. However, there are off-leash dog exercise areas in parks for animals trained for voice control. In addition, owners must clean up after their dogs in public places, such as streets and parks, according to the pooper-scooper law. Call the Animal Welfare League at 703-931-9241.

&lt;ro&gt;Shirlington Puppy Parties

&lt;lst&gt;Join other dog owners on Saturdays from 9-11 a.m. at the fenced-off area inside Shirlington Dog Exercise Area, located along the bicycle path behind a storage facility along South Four Mile Run (between Shirlington Road and South Walter Reed Drive). One-year old or younger puppies with proof of vaccinations are welcome. A volunteer will be on hand to answer questions. Call 703-578-0522 (mailbox 1), email arlingtondogs@hotmail.com or visit www.arlingtondogs.org.